Madison Parks Volunteer Recognition Event - March 14

In recognition of all of the support Madison Parks receives throughout the year from volunteers and partners, the department & the Madison Parks Foundation will be hosting a recognition dinner on Monday, March 14 at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Madison Parks will be presenting Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Project of the Year, Corporate Sponsor of the Year, Partner of the Year and Employee of the Year awards. Following suit, the Madison Parks Foundation will also be awarding Foundation Project of the Year award.

The Madison Parks People for Parks program encourages citizens to take an active role in the maintenance and enhancement of our community's parks all year round. Volunteers and donors are an integral part of the Madison Parks' success.

"We really value our volunteers and partners," says Kevin Briski, Madison Parks Superintendent. "I am always impressed by the amount of support shown by our Madison community with donations of time and money. This is the backbone of our success."

Volunteers' efforts are visible throughout our community in projects such as Earth Day cleanups, tree planting and mulching, trail building and repair, planting and weeding gardens, prairie seed collecting and assistance at special events. Volunteer projects like these not only contribute to the natural restoration of these areas, but also educate us all on native habitats and sustainable practices.

Madison Parks values the partnerships we have with our parks Friends groups, community organizations, businesses, school groups and neighborhood associations, as well as the many volunteers and friends who quietly pick up trash while out for their morning walk, maintain flower gardens in the public spaces or attend public meetings to help formulate policies.

People for Parks also encourages financial support of our local parks. A Matching Grant program is available for neighborhoods and groups raising money for capital improvements. In cooperation with the Madison Parks Foundation, groups raise thousands of dollars every year to improve their playground equipment or to add trees, benches or even a shelter to their park. The possibilities are endless.